How soon do you get your period after stopping breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timing of when your period resumes can vary widely, influenced primarily by breastfeeding practices.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
Breastfeeding has a profound impact on a woman’s menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. When a mother breastfeeds, her body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production. This hormone can inhibit the release of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, leading to a delay in the return of periods. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it is common for menstruation to be absent for several months or even longer after childbirth.
Timing After Weaning
Once a mother begins to wean her baby off breast milk, the likelihood of her menstrual cycle returning increases. Research indicates that for many breastfeeding parents, periods may resume within one to two months after stopping nursing or significantly reducing breastfeeding sessions. Some may experience their first period as early as four to six weeks after weaning.
However, the experience can vary greatly. Approximately one-fifth of breastfeeding parents may see their periods return within six months postpartum, while others may not have a period until they completely stop breastfeeding. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, whether night-time feedings are still occurring, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in this timeline.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s body responds differently. Some may find that their menstrual cycle returns quickly after stopping breastfeeding, while others may take longer. For instance, those who continue to breastfeed at night may experience a more prolonged absence of menstruation due to sustained prolactin levels.
In summary, while many can expect their periods to return within a couple of months after stopping breastfeeding, the timeline can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and breastfeeding practices. Understanding these factors can help new parents navigate this transitional phase with greater clarity and reassurance.

How quickly can a woman get pregnant after giving birth?

You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

Why has my period not returned after breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed can find that it takes longer for their periods to return after giving birth. This is because the hormone that is used for milk production – prolactin – can also suppress the hormone that is responsible for ovulation.

Do you lose weight when you stop breastfeeding?

That said, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll gain weight after you stop nursing. “Some women actually lose weight after weaning,” Cording says. It’s worth checking in with yourself if you’re concerned about your overall health or feel like your eating habits haven’t been the best lately.

How soon after stopping breastfeeding will I get my period?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

How soon will my period start after stopping breastfeeding?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

Can stopping breastfeeding cause a delayed menstrual cycle?

Your Period Might Be Different
For others, their period may return as they start to drop feedings. Either way, you may notice a few changes in your cycle once it resumes. Irregular periods are totally normal for a while, and having a late (or even missed) period isn’t unusual. Not to worry.

Are you more fertile while breastfeeding?

In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

When will my period come back when I’m breastfeeding?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.

How soon does period return if not breastfeeding?

If you’re not breastfeeding, you can expect your period to return between six and eight weeks postpartum,” Berens says. Some women may have a period before this timeframe, while others could go as long as three months before they have a period after birth.